Russell C. Gutendorf

Written by, Steven Gutendorf. Contributions by, Russell\u0027s Daughters Andra Lee Olive (Gutendorf) Rice, Mary Ann (Fulgroat) Page, and Granddaughter Kara Lyn (Gutendorf) Thiessen. Russell Clinton Gutendorf Sr. was born at home in the Portland suburb of Sellwood Oregon, on January 28, 1919. He was the third oldest of four children belonging to Harold and Ethel Gutendorf. Russell often talked about his youth, growing up in the Ardenwald-Johnson Creek Neighborhood, a small community in Milwaukie, and living directly across the street from the then, brand new Ardenwald Elementary school where he attended grades 1-6 from 1924 - 1930. Russell lived in the house his father built on Center Street. In his latter years, Russell liked to recount stories of his childhood, which included many childhood friends, and rivals in the neighborhood. He would share stories of climbing trees, getting the mail from the General Store on 32nd Ave. in the snow, and as children who loved to explore the backwoods of their neighborhood, finding where the local moonshiner hid his booze and then stealing it to sell to the local barber for \u0026quot;two-bits.\u0026quot; He also told of the community meals with close neighbors during the great depression. Someone would bring vegetables from their garden, another a slab of meat, another some homemade bread and fruit from the local fruit trees that were always plentiful with apples or pears. The women would prepare the feast while the men would play cards and tell stories. As \u0026quot;community\u0026quot;, they helped each other survive the ill effects of the great depression. Ardenwald is much the same even today where neighbors get to know each other and help each other out. In 1930, at age 11, Russell and his family moved to West Portland, 3702 Lucille Street, near Barbur Blvd. \u0026amp; Capitol Hwy. Russell would meet new friends who lived on a farm next door to them and he would finish Elementary school at West Portland Elementary. Russell then spent the 9th grade at Benson Technical School. In 1933, after completing the 9th grade, Russell rolled up his sleeves and went to work doing various jobs to help his father sustain the needs of the family. One job in particular was working on the Columbia River, near Corbett, loading barges from log pilings that are still visible to this day, and earning $3 per day. When Great Britain was at war with Nazi Germany, and the US became allied with them during WW2, Russell enlisted in the Army and served 3 years from 1938 until 1941. When Pearl Harbor was attacked, Russell, still being considered \u0026quot;active\u0026quot;, re-enlisted, this time in the Navy. After completing basic training in San Diego CA., Russell spent his time in the South and Western Pacific as an Aviation Mechanic, Sheet Metal Specialist and test pilot, repairing aircraft at various air bases located on the islands. His tour of duty included New Hebrides, Espiritu Santo, Guadalcanal, Munda Point, Russell Islands, Admiralty and Marshall Islands, eventually finishing his tour on Attu Island shortly after the US had taken it back from the Japanese. Russell\u0027s combined enlisted service was 7 years and 9 months. Russell went on to spend several years in the Navy Reserves until 1962. After being discharged from the Navy in 1946, Russell married longtime friend and sweetheart, Margaret Anderson, and continued working as an aviation mechanic at the Portland Air National Guard base. Russell and Margaret had 3 children together, Baby Russell (deceased at 4 days old due to Rh incompatibility), Russell Jr. \u0026quot;Rusty\u0026quot; and daughter Andra Lee Olive. Russell and Margaret loved ballroom dancing together. During their time together they entered and won many ballroom competitions, claiming several trophies. Russell also enjoyed roller skating at the Oaks Park skating rink with friends. He participated in many of the floor shows there, \u0026quot;couples dancing on skates\u0026quot;. Unfortunately a few years later, Russell and Margaret would divorce and in 1955 Russell married Esther Schreiber Fulgroat of Sellwood, an acquaintance of his brother and sister-in-law, and now his second wife. Esther brought with her two children from a previous marriage, daughter Mary Ann and son Michael John. The following year, Steven Paul was born to them and Russell began his career with ESCO Corporation in Portland Oregon in 1956. Russell\u0027s Daughter Mary Ann recalls: \u0026quot;My earliest memory of Dad was when I was about 5 or 6. Mom and Dad were dating. My brother Mike and I were fostered out because Mom worked two jobs, so there was no time for us. Mike and I really liked Russ because he had a car and we could go places (faster than on the bus). Well, Mom and Dad got married and we moved together. About the time Steve was born, Russ came to Mike and I and said, \u0026quot;I think it is time you called me Dad\u0026quot;. I was elated as I had no idea until then what a \u0026quot;Dad\u0026quot; was. Two more memories I want to share. They both came when I was still in grade school. First, Dad went to the garbage dump once or twice a month. While there he would \u0026quot;shop\u0026quot; (we call it dumpster diving now- but there were no dumpsters then). He bought a bicycle frame, a couple of wheels, a seat, nuts and bolts over several trips. Then one day I had my own BIKE. He painted it and it was my prized possession. I rode hundreds of miles in the carport while it rained! And many more miles when it didn\u0027t rain. The first bike was \u0026quot;Faithful\u0026quot; and the second \u0026quot;Star\u0026quot;. Yes, he kept me in bikes. Second, Dad had a friend in Estacada. We went out there one evening so Dad and his friend, Eddie, could prepare an old Studebaker to sell for scrap. Well, it was cold and the men made a small warming fire. When the job was done, I was compelled to see that the fire was out. It was now dark, hard to see, and I fell down. Nothing serious. Went to school the next two days. But on Saturday, my ankle was swollen and hurting. Off to the doctor we went. Seems I broke two bones in my ankle. Mom sent Dad out to get us candy bars as we hadn\u0027t eaten all day; mine had a worm in it. Dad shared his candy with me. But the thing I remember most was when Dad had to carry me (with a heavy wet plaster cast) down a dark, steep flight of stairs from the doctor\u0027s office to the car. Whew, he was definitely my hero. He never flinched! That was my Dad!\u0026quot; It was 1967 when Russell\u0027s oldest son, Rusty, came to live with him and Esther, along with the other three children, Mary, Michael and Steven. Russell\u0027s daughter Andra remained with her mother Margaret. It was during this time, through Russell\u0027s love for his children and faith in his Lord and Savior, that he encouraged Rusty\u0027s involvement in the local church youth group, which also led to a phone call to his daughter Andra, inviting her to participate. Russell\u0027s daughter Andra Lee recalls: \u0026quot;At the age of 16, I was a lonely, lost sheep wandering aimlessly in a very dysfunctional life, searching for answers to my life\u0027s significance and purpose. It was at that pivotal point in time that the Holy Spirit directed Russell junior, my brother, and Russell senior, my Dad, to make a very fateful phone call that would provide a ride for me to go to church. That action would make it possible for me to hear the good news of God\u0027s love for me and change my life, and the lives of many, for eternity. Because of the ripple effect of that phone call, my mother, Margaret Anderson, would also come to know Jesus personally as her Savior and friend and be born again in the Spirit before she died. Today my children, my grandchildren, and the hundreds of students and people I have impacted on my journey since that fateful year way back when are also walking with Jesus. Dad\u0027s was a Wonderful Life and I am so grateful I was a part of it.\u0026quot; During Russell\u0027s middle years, when he wasn\u0027t working a second job, he enjoyed spending as much time as possible with his children, loving them, teaching them a few \u0026quot;how-to\u0027s\u0026quot;, and often sharing with them the love of Jesus. Russell never neglected to give glory to his Father in heaven for all that he had. At times when he had to work, he would take his children with him to help with his part time janitorial job at \u0026quot;Chico\u0027s Pizza Parlor\u0026quot;. Not only was it fun to be together, and work together as a family, it was one of his ways of mixing love with teaching his children a work ethic. On Saturdays, when at home and not working, Russell made \u0026quot;hotcakes\u0026quot; for breakfast from scratch for the children, adding applesauce or peaches. Whenever time and money allowed, he would take one of his children golfing or give them a dollar to see a 25 cent movie or take them roller skating at the Oaks. Russell\u0027s personal entertainment was square dancing with his wife Esther, as well as taking an occasional Sunday drive to visit friends or relatives, or a road trip to places like Vancouver BC, Victoria Island, Canada, or to California to visit relatives, and Prineville Oregon to visit friends. In 1981 Russell retired from ESCO Corporation with 25 years of service. During this time, he started his small engine repair business, fixing or tuning up lawn mowers. He also remodeled his kitchen and bathroom, and installed new siding on his home in Oregon City. After 3 years of retirement, Russell decided to go back to work part time driving school bus for Laid Law and West Linn School District. He drove activity bus, which he loved, shuttling the West Linn high school athletes to various competitions and also providing shuttle for field trips of all kinds. Russell enjoyed driving for 13 years until 1998 when at the age of 79, he retired for good to care fulltime for his ailing wife Esther. Russell rendered care for his ailing wife for 4 years, until Esther\u0027s death in August of 2003. Russell and Esther were married 48 years. After the passing of Esther, Russell lived on his own at his home in Oregon City and continued to beautify his yard and flower gardens which he did as a memorial to Esther. He also spent quality time with his two sons, playing golf on weekends and eating out frequently at the Bomber and TeBos. In Russell\u0027s later years, weekends were spent having breakfast and playing golf with his sons, Rusty and Steven and nephew Harold Gorman. Occasionally a grandchild or two would join them. Russell also enjoyed dancing at the Oregon City Senior Center where he met his new beloved friend Loretta. They loved taking new dance lessons together and finding new places to go for dances. They also enjoyed lunches and dinners at TeBo\u0027s in Gladstone, as well as breakfast on Saturdays with Rusty and Steven. In October of 2008, at the age of 89, Russell had to have reconstructive surgery on his shoulder. Dancing was now on hold, and since it was pre-Winter, no golf on the horizon either. During his shoulder rehabilitation period, Russell moved in with his youngest son Steven in Milwaukie (Ardenwald). In 2009 Russell was forced to quit driving at the age of 90, but with his new healthy shoulder, and still being in good physical health he continued to go for neighborhood walks, and continued to play golf with the boys every weekend during the summer until the age of 91. Russell\u0027s Granddaughter, Kara Gutendorf-Thiessen recalls: \u0026quot;I never remember my Pa speaking a harsh word to me, only kind and loving things. I always left his company knowing he loved me deeply and feeling so special. I greatly admired my Pa and had great respect for him. There are many ways I would like to be more like him. A few of the things that come to mind are his patience, his kindness towards others, his humble spirit and his genuine love for people. He is one of the most humble people I have ever known. His humility was so evident in the way he lived his life. He was always thinking of others, how he could be a blessing or servant to someone. When my Pa and I would end a conversation on the phone or leave from a visit, one of the last things he would say was, \u0026quot;just follow the Lord sweetheart, and youll be alright.\u0026quot; Those were his words of wisdom to me and I never forgot them. I always took them with me, and they were always an encouragement to me. I am so grateful for those words, and I can still hear his voice speaking them to me. I still find such peace and encouragement in thinking of them. I am very grateful for him and how he constantly poured love and affection out to me. Even when he wasnt able to physically do things for me anymore, he was always eager to serve and take care of me when we were together. Hed want to hand me something or help me with something. I miss his smile, such a gentle and warm smile. I remember a couple of different smiles, there was his half smile kind of smirk, that was so sweet and calming, and there was his big, teeth grin that was so handsome. I loved our conversations, whether short or long. Every conversation contained a smile, which I loved because like I said, his smile was so calming to me. It brought such peace and joy and I couldnt help but return it with a smile of my own. I always felt so cherished and special to Pa. He had a way of making me feel that way. He made me feel precious and cherished. Im so thankful God chose him to be my Pa, he has taught me so much and has been such a big part of me being who I am and where I am at today. Following God and walking in His plans for my life. He was always \u0026quot;in my corner\u0026quot;, praying for me, encouraging me, speaking words of Gods truth and love to me. Even being an example of Christs love to me. My heart is so full of love and thankfulness to the Lord for the wonderful gift in this man. Not only to all who knew him, but specifically that he was my grandfather, I am so grateful, my life is so much fuller with him having been in it.\u0026quot; For the next 5 years, 2010 - 2015, Russell experienced a gradually less active, yet comfortable lifestyle living with his youngest son, Steven. Having breakfast out frequently, and with his new electric mobility scooter, driving himself around his old neighborhood, Ardenwald, Russell would visit with people he met along the way, and share his memories and stories of his childhood, his love and affection for all of his children, and with loving kindness, he always left people feeling better about themselves and life. Russell also enjoyed annual birthday parties hosted by his son Steven, where large numbers of people from his past and present gathered to celebrate his life and the love that touched them at one point or another along life\u0027s path. In the summertime, Russell also enjoyed sitting in the yard, and as passers by stopped to say hello, he would entertain them with his stories and memories of his childhood and growing up in Ardenwald, as well as sharing about ALL of his children. In October 2014, after having emergency surgery for an aortic aneurism, Russell\u0027s health worsened rapidly and by January 2015, due to advanced dementia, his mental and physical health was failing. Hospice was brought in to assist with his care and by February 4th, with youngest son Steven at his bedside, holding his father\u0027s hand, Russell peacefully made his way to heaven. Our Prayer - By Daughter Andra Lee Olive Rice - \u0026quot;Mighty God, Creator of the heavens and the earth. Thank you for the beautiful tapestry you weave from our lives. By Your grace and mercy you mix the threads of our lives to make a final art piece that is beyond our thoughts or imaginations. You take a phone call here, and a divine appointment there, -- heaven sent threads woven together to make eternal life happen for multitudes. You are the same yesterday, today, and forever. Who would have thought that Saul would turn into Paul, or Your brother James, who at one point thought You were losing your mind, would turn out to be the pillar of the Jerusalem church. You take the foolishness of this world and confound the wise. You take the weak things of this world to confound the things that are strong. Thank You, great Redeemer! Thank You for using our Dad for the furtherance of Your kingdom in my life and the lives of so many more and it is not stopping here. The ripple affect will continue to move out into even more lives until time comes to an end and Your new heaven and earth is established. Your amazing grace has done it once again. We bow in humble adoration and praise. To You be the glory, honor, and praise, now and forevermore. In Jesus holy name, Amen and Amen.\u0026quot; Russell Clinton Gutendorf Sr. is survived by his daughter\u0027s, Andra Lee Olive Rice of North Pole Alaska, and Mary Ann Page of Eugene Oregon. Sons, Russell Gutendorf Jr. \u0026quot;Rusty\u0026quot; of Portland Oregon, and Steven Gutendorf of Milwaukie (Ardenwald) Oregon. Also 9 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren. Nephews Fred Gutendorf of Knoxville Tennessee, Gail Gutendorf of Sparks Nevada, and Harold Gorman of Beavercreek Oregon. Niece Helen Deltour of Williams Oregon, and Cousin Della Vaughn of Kelso Washington. Russell\u0027s children preceding him in death are: \u0026quot;Baby\u0026quot; Russell, deceased in 1947, age 4 days old, and Michael John Fulgroat, deceased July 22, 1980. Memorial service is scheduled for July 20, 2015, at 1:00pm - PEAKE FUNERAL CHAPEL in Milwaukie Oregon. Graveside Service following at Willamette National Cemetery."",